The 29-year-old Carlson posted back-to-back 50-reception seasons with 12 touchdowns in his first two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, but he hasn't come close to replicating that production in the three years since. He's also dealt with a torn labrum that cost him the entire 2010 season and a series of concussions, including one that brought his 2013 season to a premature end.

All of which means he'll never get close to the funny money the Vikings once handed his way. But a one-year, prove-it deal is certainly possible. Getting it from the Cardinals would qualify as a surprise.